Scientists have identified a specific type of ultra-processing linked to depression

Eating fake meat products like burgers made with lab-developed ingredients could make you more likely to develop depression, new research shows.

Scientists compared the mental health symptoms of vegetarians who eat plant-based meat alternatives with those who don’t.

The results, published in the medical journal Food Frontiers, found that those who ate meat substitutes were 42 percent more likely to become depressed than those who did not.

The authors, who described these findings as “concerning,” also noted that fake meat eaters had higher blood pressure and more inflammation according to blood test results.

They suggest that the link between convenience foods and the mental health problem may be due to inflammation in the body, which is thought to disrupt feel-good chemicals in the brain.

However, the researchers say more research is needed to determine why plant-based meat eaters were more likely to be depressed.

Researchers from the University of Surrey analyzed data from the UK Biobank – which keeps track of health data on more than 500,000 people.

Of the participants, 3,342 people were eligible for study, with approximately two-thirds of all participants being female.

Plant-based meat – used to make ‘fake’ burgers and sausages – is considered ultra-processed food (UPF) due to the high number of additives used, such as preservatives and flavorings.

Ultra-processed foods also tend to be high in calories, sugar, saturated fat and salt.

However, the researchers found that there were no significant differences in nutrient intake between vegetarians who ate alternative meats and those who did not.

However, the researchers did find that those who ate plant-based meats had higher blood pressure and higher levels of C-reactive protein, which is a marker of inflammation.

They also had lower levels of apolipoprotein A, which is associated with “good” cholesterol, or HDL.

However, the plant-based meat eaters were 40 percent less likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome.

Professor Nophar Geifman, from the University of Surrey’s School of Health Sciences, and senior author of the study, said: ‘The overall findings are reassuring and suggest that plant-based meat alternatives can be a safe option when part of an overall balanced diet .

‘However, the possible link between these types of foods, inflammation and depression warrants further investigation.’

Professor Anthony Whetton, co-author of the study from the University of Surrey School of Veterinary Medicine, said:

‘Ultra-processed plant-based meat alternatives can be a useful way for people to effectively transition to a vegetarian diet, aiding sustainable agricultural practices. Further research, including longitudinal studies and trials with more diverse populations, is needed to confirm these findings and the relationship between vegetarian foods and mood.”

The findings come months after a group of international scientists found that opting for ultra-processed vegetarian choices such as fake burgers and sausages was linked to a 15 percent higher risk of heart attacks and strokes.

People who ate a lot of plant-based, ultra-processed foods had a 7 percent greater risk of conditions such as clogged heart arteries and had a 15 percent increased risk of death compared to vegetarians whose diet contained less.

Increasing intake of non-processed vegetarian foods – such as fresh fruits and vegetables – by 10 percent was associated with an 8 percent lower risk of developing heart disease.

Deaths from heart disease fell by a fifth among vegetarians who consumed the fewest UPFs and by 13 percent among cardiovascular disease overall – caused by a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.

Food additives and industrial contaminants present in these foods can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, which can cause heart problems, the scientists suggested.

Consumers can expect to see a greater presence of fake meat on supermarket shelves next month.

Every year, around 700,000 people pledge to give up meat for the New Year, also known as ‘Veganuary’.

To meet the extra demand, supermarkets are promoting meat-free alternatives throughout the month with special offers and new-fangled products.